Origin and Common Names
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is native to tropical West Africa. The plant is commonly known as the rubber bush or African violet.
General Appearance
The rubber bush is a small perennial shrub that can grow up to a height of 2 meters. The leaves are shiny, smooth, and have an elliptic shape with a pointed tip. The leaf blades are about 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The plant produces small pink or purple flowers that are about 1 cm wide. The flowers grow in clusters on the ends of the branches and have five petals. The fruit produced by the rubber bush is a capsule that contains about six seeds.
Uses
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel has traditional medicinal uses. The plant is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it is used in the treatment of various ailments such as skin infections, diarrhea, and fever. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. The rubber bush can be grown as a houseplant in bright, indirect light, and it is relatively easy to care for.
Light Requirements:
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel usually grow best in bright but indirect light. This plant is known to tolerate lower light levels, although it may stunt growth or hinder the production of new foliage. Exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant. A site with filtered light or light shade works best for Clitandra elastica.
Temperature Requirements:
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel is a tropical species and generally thrives in warm temperatures with high humidity. It prefers temperatures between 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F), but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F) for short periods.
Soil Requirements:
The best soil for Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel is moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). It requires soil that is rich in organic matter, and it does not do well in heavy, compacted soils. This plant is known to be sensitive to salts and chemicals, so avoid using synthetic fertilizers or any products containing fluoride, boron, or chlorine.
Cultivation Methods
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel, commonly known as "Liberian Rubber Plant," is a tropical evergreen shrub that is indigenous to West Africa. To cultivate this plant, you must plant it in fertile, well-draining soil that receives partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant prefers humidity, so you may need to mist its leaves frequently. You should consider using a pot with good drainage to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs
The Clitandra elastica requires adequate watering to grow healthily. To maintain this plant, you must keep its soil moist but not waterlogged. Ensure that the soil has enough drainage to prevent water accumulation. As a general rule, you can touch the soil and consider watering it when it feels dry to a depth of around 1 inch. During warmer months, the plant may require more frequent watering than in colder months.
Fertilization
For optimal growth of the Clitandra elastica, you must fertilize the plant during its growing period. You can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to provide essential nutrients that will promote healthy growth and a robust root system. You should dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid root burn. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and stop fertilizing during wintertime when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the Clitandra elastica bushy and compact. You can prune any excessively long or leggy stems from the plant during the early spring season. You can also remove any damaged or diseased leaves from the plant during any time of the year. You can pinch the tips of the plant to the desired length to encourage bushy growth. Furthermore, you may consider rejuvenating the plant by cutting a third of its branches to promote new growth.
Propagation Methods of Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha (A.Chev.) A.Chev. ex Dalziel, commonly known as the small-flowered rubber plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. There are different methods of propagating this plant, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
One way to propagate Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits of the plant and should be sown immediately. It is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha is through cutting propagation. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant's branches. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they develop roots.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha. This method involves creating a small wound on a mature stem of the parent plant and covering it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. The covered area is then wrapped in plastic and secured at both ends. Roots will develop at the wound site, and a new plant can be cut away and potted once the roots are well-established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to keep the new plants in a warm, humid location until they are established. Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha is a relatively easy plant to propagate, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
Disease and Pest Management for Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha
Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha, commonly known as the rubber plant, is a popular indoor and ornamental plant due to its evergreen foliage and air-purifying qualities. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the rubber plant is leaf spot. The disease is caused by fungi, and it can lead to yellowing and dropping of leaves. To manage the disease, it's recommended to remove the affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering, and use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Another disease that affects the rubber plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or using contaminated soil. The disease can cause yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, minimize watering, repot the plant in fresh soil, and discard any severely rotted roots.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect the rubber plant is the mealybug. The insect feeds on the plant's sap, and it can cause yellowing, curling, and dropping of leaves. To manage mealybugs, wipe the affected areas with alcohol-soaked cotton balls. Repeat the process until the pests are no longer visible. Alternatively, use insecticides to control the pests.
Another common pest that affects the rubber plant is spider mites. The pests feed on the plant's sap, and they can cause yellowing and spotting of leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels around the plant, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, and use insecticides to control the pests.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management is crucial to ensuring the health and longevity of Clitandra elastica A.Chev. var. micrantha. By being vigilant and taking preemptive measures to address the various issues, growers can keep their plants healthy and thriving.
